Installing cable – Extreme Networks BlackDiamond 8800 Series User Manual
Page 61

Evaluating and Meeting Cable Requirements
BlackDiamond 8800 Series Switches Hardware Installation Guide
61
●
Isolate faults in the distribution system.
●
Locate the opposite end of any cable.
●
Know the types of network devices that your cabling infrastructure can support.
Consider the following recommendations when setting up a cable labeling system suitable for your
installation:
●
Identify cables by securely attaching a label to all cable ends.
●
Assign a unique block of sequential numbers to the group of cables that run between each pair of
wiring closets.
●
Assign a unique identification number to each distribution rack.
●
Identify all wiring closets by labeling the front panel of your Extreme Networks equipment and
other hardware.
●
Keep accurate and current cable identification records.
●
Post records near each distribution rack. Include the following cable drop information: the cable
source, destination, and jumper location.
Installing Cable
Consider the following recommendations when you connect cable to your network equipment:
●
Examine cable for cuts, bends, and nicks.
●
Support cable using a cable manager that is mounted above connectors to avoid unnecessary weight
on the cable bundles.
●
Use cable managers to route cable bundles to the left and right of the network equipment to
maximize accessibility to the connectors.
●
Provide enough slack, approximately 2 to 3 inches (5.08 to 7.62 cm), to provide proper strain relief as
shown in
.
●
Bundle cable using velcro straps to avoid injuring cables.
●
If you build your own cable, be sure that cable is properly crimped.
●
When installing a patch panel using twisted pair wiring, untwist no more than 1 inch (2.54 cm) of
the cable to avoid radio frequency (RF) interference.
●
Discharge the RJ-45 Ethernet cable before plugging it into a port on the switch.
●
Use plenum-rated cable when it is necessary for safety and fire rating requirements. Consult your
local building codes to determine when it is appropriate to use plenum-rated cable, or refer to IEC
standard 850.
●
Keep all ports and connectors free of dust.
CAUTION
Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable can build up ESD charges when being pulled into a new installation. Before
connecting any category 5 UTP cable to the switch, discharge ESD from the cable by plugging the RJ-45 connector
into a LAN Static Discharge device or use an equivalent method.